The critical role women play in elections cannot be underestimated. However,
despite the proliferation affirmative action legislation, women representation in
African politics continuous to decline per recent elections monitored by the
African Elections Project (AEP).
Although Article
13 of the 2022 electoral law paved the way for gender parity, the current
political landscape in DRC paints a different picture. Out of the 24 candidates
contesting for the presidential elections, only 2 of them are women. They
are Marie-Josée Ifoku Mputa and Joëlle Bile.
The low representation, despite legal advances, highlights the
persistent challenges women face in navigating the DRC’s political landscape.
There is therefore the need to put the few women who put themselves up
for elections in the spotlight. This is why with few days to the general
elections in Congo, the AEP puts a spotlight on the female presidential
candidates contesting in the election.
This article focuses on the two female candidates,
providing insights into their backgrounds and articulating their vision for the
Democratic Republic of Congo.
Marie Josée Ifoku Mputa
Marie-Josée Ifoku Mputa, 58, is an economist and
politician. Her political career began in 2015 when she became the deputy
special commissioner of Tshuapa Province. She later advanced to the position of
vice-governor and eventually served as the governor of Tshuapa Province from
2016 to 2017. In 2018, she made a significant impact by running as the sole
female presidential candidate in the presidential election.
In her 2023 campaign, Ifoku Mputa
is championing the empowerment of women and youth, pledging to make their
voices heard and their talents utilized.
Ifoku strives to bring about change and break
with the historical cycle of predation in the political landscape of the Democratic
Republic of the Congo.
Joëlle Bile
Joëlle Bile, 51, is a journalist, entrepreneur and women's rights activist.
She promises to address the stigmatization and stereotypes faced by
women in Congolese politics, emphasizing the need for comprehensive efforts to
address gender issues in all facets of society, including families, schools,
and churches.
Committed to constitutional principles of gender parity, Bile envisions
a more equitable and inclusive society, stressing the vital role of women in
political life and calling for collective mobilization to ensure fair
representation in decision-making bodies.
She also promises to ensure social justice, improve national security, and educational reforms.
After publishing this article, Joëlle Bile pulled out of the race and threw her support behind President Felix Tshisekedi.
Follow the African Elections Project on Facebook and Twitter @Africanelection for more updates.